QUESTION #11
Are we worldly? Do we pursue the pleasures, glitter, pomp, and show of this life?
I love glitter! I remember playing a role for a Christmas production in the 5th grade and I got to have glittered tights and make up! It forever made me want to wear glitter makeup which my mom very lovingly helped me see it wasn’t fitting for everyday life.
As I see glitter on Christmas decor this time of year I’m definitely reminded of my love for and restrain of glitter ;) This question is great to consider in the Christmas season. While the phrasing here could be updated some;), it really evaluates if what we are pursuing is more of God or more of things this world has for us. A great worship song I love says “this world has nothing for me. I will follow You.” What a great lyric to sing, but what an even greater cry of our hearts to walk out.
It’s easy to cry out for this to be true when the glitter and glam isn’t catching our eyes. When we’re broken and in need, it’s easier to go to Him. When we’re wounded or afraid it’s obvious His love is better than anything else. But what happens when we’re satisfied and we desire more? Are we setting what the media and culture says is important before us or are we seeking what God says is important?
In this holiday season, are we acquiring what we deem necessary to make our homes ideal with decor, or are we making room for Jesus to make His home in our hearts?
Glitter has it’s time and place and when God has us on display in seasons, it is so that our glitter would reflect Him to the world around us.
Remember you belong to Him and you’re not of this world nor will anything in this world go with you into eternity. (Preaching to the choir ;) )
APPLICATION:
1. What is your heart seeking after in this Christmas season? What do you truly want for Christmas? It’s not wrong to desire gifts and things we need, but is that taking preeminence over Jesus?
2. Is our outward “show” reflecting Jesus in a glorifying way?
SCRIPTURES:
I John 2:15-17 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.